Ashwagandha Improves Muscle Strength
TL;DR: This exploratory study on Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) in healthy volunteers aimed to evaluate its safety, tolerability, and effects on physiological functions, demonstrating well-tolerated incremental doses with beneficial impacts on muscle strength, cholesterol levels, and sleep quality without significant adverse effects.
Key Highlights:
Introduction and Objectives:
Ashwagandha, known for its strength-enhancing properties in Ayurveda, was studied for its tolerability and effects on muscle strength, exercise tolerance, body fat percentage, and lean body weight in healthy volunteers.
Materials and Methods:
The study involved 18 volunteers who received escalating doses of Ashwagandha over 30 days. Safety and activity were assessed through clinical examinations, vital function tests, and measurements of muscle strength and exercise tolerance.
Results:
Ashwagandha was well-tolerated by all but one volunteer, who experienced increased appetite, libido, and hallucinogenic effects. Improvements in sleep quality, muscle strength, and a reduction in cholesterol levels were observed, aligning with traditional uses of Ashwagandha as a muscle strengthener and health enhancer.
Discussion and Conclusions:
Incremental doses of Ashwagandha were safe and improved muscle activity, reduced body fat percentage, and lowered cholesterol levels, with no significant changes in vital functions or organ function tests.
The study supports the traditional Ayurvedic use of Ashwagandha for improving muscle strength and general health, paving the way for further research in patients with sarcopenia.
